250742 - Very Old African Fang Ngil mask - Gabon.

Very Old African Fang Ngil mask, Gabon.

This type of mask is used for entertainment of the spectators on festive occasions.

Hand carved from a single piece of wood.

Height: 50 cm.

This Fang mask is dated mid 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Grand Masque Fang/Ngil, Chez les Fang, as in any structured society, it was appropriate to maintain order through masks. This was the essence of the secret society of the Ngil, whose masks we know well, including some of the most graphic. In the society of the Ngil, the great initiate (Ngang), assisted by his officials, walked through the villages hidden under a mask like this one. The wearers of the mask, concealed in their raphia skin costumes, appeared in the village at dusk, with torches illuminating in their hands.Their aim was to track down the perpetrators of disorder, starting with those responsible for suspicious deaths.Their action was mainly aimed at those suspected of having used witchcraft.Once the perpetrator was identified, he could be sentenced to death.

The colonial authorities banned the activities of the Ngil association in 1910.

From that moment on, the Ngil became a perverse institution, where the actions of its members were not so much aimed at doing justice, but mainly at taking advantage of the gullibility of the villagers.The Fang people, also known as Fãn or Pahouin, are a Bantu ethnic group found in Equatorial Guinea, northern Gabon, and southern Cameroon. Representing about 85% of the total population of Equatorial Guinea, concentrated in the Río Muni region, the Fang people are its largest ethnic group. The Fang are also the largest ethnic group in Gabon, making up about a quarter of the population. In other countries, in the regions they live, they are one of the most significant and influential ethnic groups.

They have a patrilineal kinship social structure. The villages have been traditionally linked through lineage. They are exogamous, particularly on the father's side. Polygamy was accepted in the culture of the Fang people. The independence of villages from each other is notable, and they are famed for their knowledge of animals, plants and herbs in the Equatorial forests they live in. They are traditionally farmers and hunters, but became major cocoa farmers during the colonial era.

Under French colonial rule, they converted to Christianity. However, after independence their interest in their own traditional religion, called Biere, also spelled Byeri, has returned, and many practice syncretic ideas and rites. One of the syncretic traditions among Fang people is called Bwiti, a monotheistic religion that celebrates Christian Easter but over four days with group dancing, singing and psychedelic drinks

The art works of Fang people, particularly from wood, iron and steatite, are regionally famous. Their wooden masks and idol carvings are on display at numerous museums of the worldThe art works of Fang people, particularly from wood, iron and steatite, are regionally famous. Their wooden masks and idol carvings are on display at numerous museums of the world. Discovery of Fang artwork was source of inspiration for much of the European avant-garde artwork created during the 20th century. Much of the art is either used for their masquerades, or function as reliquaries and effigies. All are primarily made by the men of the village. There is reason to believe that many of these reliquaries were made during the Fang's migration as a form of burial which was also portable.